It may not be a popular thought but it's one I firmly believe in. Adults don't need Christmas, so why do they cling to the ceremonies that could so easily be passed over?
Kids need Christmas. They don't have steady income, they always want lots of things they can't have, and they generally have a lack of the fundamental concept that being lavished with presents on this certain holiday had to come out of someone else's pocket and at their expense. Adults also seem to reap pleasure in seeing a child's face light up with excitement upon opening a gift, so there is a mutual exchange of joy.
Adults on the other hand do not need Christmas. They are either capable of acquiring goods on their own or should realize that anything unattainable should not be acquired. The fact that irresponsible people see it as a time to splurge now and make up for later is a vestige of childlike immaturity that should be excised as soon as possible so that the growing up can begin. The exchange of presents between adults also does not seem to have the excitement element for various reasons:
a) The present was not exactly correct or not wanted/needed in the first place
b) There was not present parity (i.e. they spent more or less than you in this "exchange")
c) It would have been easier/cheaper for you to get it yourself
Just as there comes a time when a child passes to adulthood and no longer receives checks in their birthday card, so too should adults move on with the Christmas gift exchange. Let it be about the kids. Lavish kids, treat yourself if you can afford it, but drop the notion that you need to run out and get some present for everyone that might get you a present. As an economist, there is a huge amount of inefficiency and waste in this process that deserves to be dropped.
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